Home central vacuum cleaners offer a healthy alternative to standard vacuum cleaners and can add great value to any new or existing home. Most central vacuum cleaner system suppliers on the market operate with an independent dealer network of trained technicians to install and service the systems. While you can most likely order central vacuum parts directly from the manufacturer and even do-it-yourself kits, installing in-wall tubing requires training.

Technicians trained by the manufacturer will lay out the design and select a power system based on square footage and potential inlet location sites. Even if you leave the installation to the central vacuum installers, you should have some basic knowledge on how they work to sell the features and benefits to your customers. Luckily, central vacuum companies offer sales training resources for builder customers.

If you're interested in offering central vacuums to your customers, consider the following.

1. Look for central vacuum system suppliers with a strong dealer network to support their customers.

2. Choose a central vacuum installer who will make a professional presentation to your customers.

3. Ask for special training in central vacuum cleaners for your sales staff to help boost sales.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rely on manufacturers for help with installing central vacuum cleaners

Most central vacuum manufacturers offer a great deal of support to aspiring dealers, and make sure they receive the training they need through in-house seminars and technical staff. Manufacturers also offer builders specialized central vacuum cleaner systems education and training.

I recommend: VACUFLO describes the sales support they offer to builders to have central vacuum cleaner systems installed in new construction, and explains the need for qualified installation of the product. Central vacuum manufacturer Beam offers support for builders and training for builders' sales staff.

Learn more to develop a complete understanding of central vacuum cleaner systems

It can be helpful for builders to know the standards that apply to central vacuum installation. Builders who are considering adding central vacuums to their homes should make a thorough comparison of central vacuum systems, comparing service availability as well as central vacuum system prices and warranty issues.

I recommend: The ASTM standard for central vacuum installation can be helpful reading for builders attempting a DIY installation. TecHome Builder offers a good overview of the benefits and drawbacks of offering house central vacuum cleaners and ways to maximize profits with add-ons.

Gather information on central vacuum cleaners at trade shows

Trade shows and builder shows are a great place to get more information about central vacuums. Stop by a manufacturer booth to see a demonstration of the power of central vacuums, learn about new techniques and technologies and pick up brochures to compare central vacuums.

I recommend: The Vacuum Dealer Trade Association offers training seminars to installers at their annual trade show. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers offers support to central vacuum cleaner system suppliers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your sales staff uses their training to sell customers on the option of adding the power unit of the central vacuum cleaners after construction is complete. You can still make a profit on installation of the in-wall tubing and give your customers the option of having a central vacuum system later.

Central vacuum cleaner systems are wonderful investments adding value to homes unlike their portable counterpart. Perfect for allergy sufferers, central vacuums send all of the allergens directly to the main collection unit, thereby eliminating any chance of escaping into the air. Easy to use and cheap to operate they are a wonderful extra to put in a new construction or remodel.

Although there are many brands to choose from, most models in the same range have similar motors. Carefully check the manufacturer's warranty and any applicable service agreement before settling on one cleaner. It's also wise to consider the following when purchasing a central vacuum system:

1. Understand the basics of installation requirements.

2. Compare price, service and warranty for various models.

3. Find reputable central vacuum cleaner system suppliers.

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Install home central vacuum cleaners in new constructions, remodels or investment properties

New homes or remodels can offer the buyer a complete system or the choice to finish it off on their own but lay the ductwork for them. Professionals can install an entire unit in less than a day. They aren't too complicated for a handy remodler, but make sure to get a blueprint of the home and consult a professional for the do-it-yourself project.

I recommend: Aside from offering a vast line of brand products, Central Vacuum Factory offers technical advice and help for those self-installers and more advanced support for contractors. In one phone call, they aim to answer any question and provide one stop shopping for central vacuum parts. Central Vac Central has a more hands on approach, offering investors or homeowners’ installation services. They also have parts and consultations for homes with pre-installed but unfinished central vacuum systems.

Compare central vacuums in price and models ensuring it's a quality product

Dare to do a comparison of central vacuum systems to traditional portable models. For the most part, central vacuums designed for a home have the same motor as portable ones, however central vacuums generally have higher amp outputs, making them stronger, longer lasting and have their own cooling fan inside the system.

I recommend: ThinkVacuums has a wonderful comparison tool tailored to small, medium and larger homes. With links to most major manufacturer’s each unit is rated and the general specifics are listed for easy comparison. NuTone is one of the most well known and trusted brands. The Beam Serenity from Central Vacuum Stores does better on consumer reports, even with only one motor. The MD SilentMaster is perfect for those who want a quiet vacuum and makes a nice choice for condominium living.

Search for industrial central vacuum cleaner system suppliers

Industries across the board can benefit from a central vacuum cleaning system. Whether you're need is for high power suction or something a little more low maintenance but still high quality, buy central vacuum cleaner systems geared towards the industrial or commercial side.

I recommend: Processing Equipment offers industrial strength central vacuum systems that won't plug, even when cleaning the finest powder or with long piping systems. Air Dynamics has designed a system that uses less energy without giving up power or quality and for companies needing less power.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  House central vacuum cleaners are easiest to install when ductwork can be laid underneath the floor like in a crawlspace, however homes with several floors can use the attic for running ducts, bring them down through closets, and link them to the main unit in the basement.

Before you begin working with central vacuum cleaner systems, you should suck up some knowledge about a few of the key terms in the industry. Phrases such as suction and bag unit are important to understand if you are installing a central vac. The definition of terms such as attachment kits and hoses is important to know if you are purchasing central vacuum cleaner equipment. Here are the basics tyou need to know in order to really clean up.

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Suction

A central vacuum's suction describes how much pull or lift the motor has. It is also referred to as 'vacuum' or 'waterlift.' Since suction is what actually pulls the debris through the central vacuum system, it is the most important performance rating to consider when you are purchasing a new system.

I recommend: For more help understanding suction, check out Air King America.

Bag unit

With a bag-unit central vacuum cleaner system, the debris is collected in a disposable bag made of either paper or cloth. Units without bags dump particles directly into a canister that must be emptied. A central vacuum cleaner with a bag is generally considered the cleanest type of central vac, since the particles and allergens are trapped in the bag.

I recommend: Compare the differences between bag units and bagless units at Thinkvacuums.com. The website does a good job explaining the pros and cons of each.

Cyclonic-action vacuum

A cyclonic-action vacuum works by creating a downward, cone-shaped swirl of air inside the central vacuum canister, similar to a tornado. The heavier debris is separated out and deposited at the bottom. The lighter debris remains in the air, where it is filtered out or exhausted to the exterior of the building.

I recommend: H-P Products provides expanded information about cyclonic-action central vacuum cleaners. The company even has a diagram of a cyclonic vacuum on its website.

Hose

The hose is the part of the central vacuum cleaner that the homeowner or business employee plugs into the wall and uses to suck up the dirt. Hoses are often 20 or 30 feet long, and are made to be flexible and durable. Hoses come with dozens of types of handles with different angles, grips and optional features.

I recommend: Central Vacuum Stores defines dozens of types of hoses. You can also click a link to view an example of each hose.

Attachment kits

Attachment kits contain all the pieces you need to make your central vacuum cleaning system easier and more convenient to use. Kits typically include attachments that are specially made to clean rugs and hardwood floors, tools to clean crevices and dusting brushes for delicate vacuuming jobs such as drapes, pictures and lamps. The tools and brushes are simply attached to the cleaning end of the hose.

I recommend: Central Vacuum Factory displays several types of attachment kits on its website and explains what is in each of them, and how each attachment device is used.

Industrial-strength central vacuums

Industrial-strength central vacuums are designed for heavy-duty use in commercial and industrial settings. They come with piping systems that are specially designed not to plug up, more horsepower and heavy-duty filters.

I recommend: Great examples of industrial-strength central vacuums are available on the website for Processing Equipment.

Central vacuum cleaner systems are convenient, in that you don’t have to lug around vacuum equipment. Instead you plug a central vacuum cleaner hose into a wall or floor socket. The dirt receptacle is in a garage or utility area. As you read information about central vacuums, you quickly find that they are capable of doing everything a traditional vacuum can.

With the many central vacuum cleaner systems types and styles on the market today, you should spend some time doing a comparison of central vacuum systems to find the model that is best for you. You should consider:

1. Central vacuum cleaner system prices.

2. Central vacuum parts and accessories you might need.

3. Warranties and service available on central vacuum cleaners.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use house central vacuum cleaners that trap the dirt in bags

The most efficient way to remove the dirt from your house is with a bag system. Once the dirt goes into the central vacuum cleaner bag, it doesn't come back out. You never touch the dirt as you remove with central vacuum cleaners. As you read information about central vacuum cleaner systems, you quickly see that this is a good option, especially if someone in your house suffers from air-borne allergies.

I recommend: Central vacuum cleaner system suppliers, Bank’s Vacuum SuperStores, offer home central vacuum cleaners that require bags to remove the dirt. M.D. Manufacturing also offers central vacuum cleaner systems that use bags to trap the dirt and remove it from your house.

Consider bagless home central vacuum cleaners

Bagless central vacuum cleaner systems types and styles direct the dirt into the bottom of a receptacle. You simply empty the dust bucket at regular intervals. For best results, this type of central vacuum cleaner system needs an outdoor vent system. Without routine cleaning of the vacuum cleaner itself, mold and other allergens may accumulate and circulate within your house.

I recommend: You can buy central vacuum cleaner systems that are bagless from The Home Technology Store. The Twister Group also offers bagless central vacuum cleaner systems for sale.

Look at cyclonic home central vacuum cleaners

A cyclonic system puts the heavier dirt in the bottom of the dust bucket. Lighter dust goes out of the house through the vacuum's ventilation system. Because of the design of the cyclonic vacuum, dirt passes through the parts of the motor causing a shorter lifespan for the motor.

I recommend: The NuTone brand vacuums from State Vacuum are cyclonic. As you look at the other models for sale, you can compare central vacuums capabilities to see if this is the type of vacuum you want. Consider cyclonic house central vacuum cleaners from Central Vacuum Factory.